Inner-sensor based pointing device

ABSTRACT

An inner-sensor based pointing device is presented. The pointing device includes a central housing having an aperture and a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the central housing, the sleeves rotatable about the portion of the central housing and slidable along a generally horizontal axis about the portion of the central housing. The pointing device further includes a sensor disposed in the central housing and aligned with the aperture, the sleeve positioned surrounding the sensor, wherein the sensor is capable of detecting rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing and wherein the sensor is capable of detecting axial movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing. Additionally, the pointing device has a circuit in communication with the sensor, the circuit disposed within the central housing, the circuit capable of transmitting data to a computer regarding the movement of the sleeve.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority under35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/460,267, filed onAug. 14, 2014 entitled “INNER-SENSOR BASED POINTING DEVICE,” whichclaims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/960,909, filedDec. 6, 2010 entitled “INNER-SENSOR BASED POINTING DEVICE,” which claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/267,616, filed on Dec. 8, 2009 entitled “INNER-SENSOR BASEDPOINTING DEVICE,” which are all herein incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

In computing, a pointing device functions by detecting two-dimensionalmotion relative to its supporting surface. The pointing device sometimesfeatures other elements, such as “wheels”, which allow the user toperform various system-dependent operations, or extra buttons orfeatures can add more control or dimensional input. The motion of thepointing device typically translates into the motion of a pointer on adisplay, which allows for fine control of a Graphical User Interface(GUI). Typically these pointing devices utilize a “point and click”sequence of moving the cursor to the desired position and depressing abutton to select an action.

There are several different styles of pointing devices such as a mouse,trackball, joystick, touchpad and the like. A mouse is a pointing devicethat functions by detecting two-dimensional motion relative to itssupporting surface. Physically, a mouse consists of an object held underone of the user's hands, with one or more buttons. A mouse may sometimesfeatures other elements, such as “wheels”, which allow the user toperform various system-dependent operations, or extra buttons orfeatures that can add more control or dimensional input.

A trackball is a pointing device consisting of a ball held by a socketcontaining sensors to detect a rotation of the ball about two axes-likean upside-down mouse with an exposed protruding ball. The user rolls theball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move a cursor.Large tracker balls are common on graphical workstations for easyprecision.

A joystick is an input device consisting of a stick that pivots on abase and reports its angle or direction to the device it is controlling.Joysticks are often used to control video games, and usually have one ormore push-buttons whose state can also be read by the computer.

A touchpad is a pointing device consisting of specialized surface thatcan translate the motion and position of a user's fingers to a relativeposition on screen. Touchpads are a common feature of laptop computersand also used as a substitute for a computer mouse where desk space isscarce. Touchpads can also be found on personal digital assistants(PDAs) and some portable media players, such as the iPod® using a clickwheel.

SUMMARY

Conventional mechanisms such as those explained above suffer from avariety of deficiencies. One such deficiency is that conventionalpointing devices require a predefined amount of desk space. A furtherdeficiency with conventional pointing devices is that the user's handsmust be removed from the keyboard to use the pointing device. Inaddition, injuries have been recorded based on reaching an awkwarddistance to access the mouse or positioning the mouse at an incorrectheight for ergonomic operation.

Embodiments of the invention significantly overcome such deficienciesand provide mechanisms and techniques that provide a pointing devicethat is controllable while the hands remain on the keyboard. Inaddition, the pointing device minimizes strain on wrist and shoulderwhile providing fast and precise positioning functions.

In a particular embodiment, a pointing device includes a central housingand a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the central housing,wherein the sleeve is rotatable about the portion of the central housingand wherein the sleeve is slidable along a generally horizontal axisabout the portion of the central housing. The pointing device furtherincludes a sensor disposed in the central housing, the sleeve positionedsurrounding the sensor, and wherein the sensor is capable of detectingmovement of the sleeve relative to the central housing. The pointingdevice additionally includes a circuit in communication with the sensor,the circuit capable of transmitting data to a computer regarding themovement of the sleeve.

Note that each of the different features, techniques, configurations,etc. discussed in this disclosure can be executed independently or incombination. Accordingly, the present invention can be embodied andviewed in many different ways.

Also, note that this summary section herein does not specify everyembodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosureor claimed invention. Instead, this summary only provides a preliminarydiscussion of different embodiments and corresponding points of noveltyover conventional techniques. For additional details, elements, and/orpossible perspectives (permutations) of the invention, the reader isdirected to the Detailed Description section and corresponding figuresof the present disclosure as further discussed below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated inthe accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer tothe same parts throughout the different views.

The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placedupon illustrating the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 comprises a diagram of an inner-sensor pointing device inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 comprises a transparent housing view of a portion of theinner-sensor pointing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 comprises a diagram of a carriage and roller assembly of theinner-sensor pointing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 comprises a diagram of the roller assembly of the inner sensorpointing device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the roller assembly showing theinner-sensor;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing an end portion of the rollerassembly and carriage;

FIG. 7 comprises a diagram of another pointing device in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 comprises a diagram of a sleeve of the pointing device inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 9 comprises a diagram of the central housing in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 10 comprises a diagram of the pointing device including a base inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 11 comprises a diagram of a cut-away view of a section of centralhousing showing certain internal mechanisms thereof in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 12 comprises a diagram of a cut-away view of the central housingshowing certain internal mechanisms thereof in accordance withembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 13 comprises a diagram of an exploded view of the pointing devicein accordance with embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 14a comprises a diagram of a an inner-sensor pointing deviceincluding a pair of flexures in accordance with embodiments of theinvention;

FIG. 14b comprises a diagram of a flexure of the inner-sensor pointingdevice in accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 14c comprises a cross-sectional view of the flexure of FIG. 14 b;

FIG. 15a comprises a diagram of an embodiment of a pointing deviceincorporating a pair of leaf springs;

FIG. 15b comprises a side view of the pointing device incorporating apair of leaf springs of FIG. 15 a;

FIG. 16a comprises a diagram of an embodiment of a pointing deviceincorporating a pair of solenoids;

FIG. 16b comprises a side view of the pointing device incorporating apair of solenoids of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16c comprises a cross-sectional side view of the pointing deviceincorporating a pair of solenoids of FIG. 16 a;

FIG. 16d comprises a view of the pointing device incorporating a pair ofsolenoids of FIG. 16a including a cover;

FIG. 17a comprises a view of the pointing device incorporating a pair ofleaf springs and switches;

FIG. 17b comprises a side view of the pointing device incorporating apair of leaf springs and switches of FIG. 17 a;

FIG. 18a comprises a view of a first embodiment of a keyboard tray withan integral pointing device;

FIG. 18b comprises a view of a second embodiment of a keyboard tray withan integral pointing device;

FIG. 19a comprises a view of a first embodiment of a keyboard tray withan integral pointing device and wrist support assembly;

FIG. 19b comprises a view of a second embodiment of a keyboard tray withan integral pointing device and wrist support assembly;

FIG. 20a comprises a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of aninner-sensor based pointing device;

FIG. 20b comprises a cross-sectional view of a left hand portion of theinner-sensor based pointing device of FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 20c comprises a cross-sectional view of a center portion of theinner-sensor based pointing device of FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 20d comprises a cross-sectional view of a right hand portion of theinner-sensor based pointing device of FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 21 comprises an isometric view of the inner-sensor pointing deviceof FIG. 20 a;

FIG. 22a comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly having keyboard platform risers in a closed position;

FIG. 22b comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly having keyboard platform risers in an open position;

FIG. 23a comprises an isometric view of a keyboard platform riser in aclosed position;

FIG. 23b comprises an isometric view of a keyboard platform riser in anopen position;

FIG. 23c comprises an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platformriser of FIG. 23 a;

FIG. 23d comprises an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platformriser having a first end in a closed position and a second end in anopen position;

FIG. 23e comprises an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platformriser having a first end in an open position and a second end in an openand extended position;

FIG. 24a comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having front andrear keyboard platform risers in a closed position;

FIG. 24b comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in a closed position and rear keyboard riser inan open position;

FIG. 24c comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in a closed position and rear keyboard riser inan open and extended position;

FIG. 24d comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in an open position and rear keyboard riser ina closed position;

FIG. 24e comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in an open position and rear keyboard riser inan open position; and

FIG. 24f comprises a side view of a keyboard platform having frontkeyboard platform risers in an open position and rear keyboard riser inan open and extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a pointing device 10 isshown. The pointing device 10 includes a central housing 12. The centralhousing 12 contains additional parts, discussed in detail below. Thepointing device 10 also includes a sleeve 14 which fits over a portionof central housing 12. Sleeve 14 is rotatable about a portion of thecentral housing, and is also slidable along a length of the centralhousing 12. Sleeve 14 is supported by bushings 18 a and 18 b. Sleeve 14includes a grip 16. The central housing 12, sleeve 14, bushings 18 a and18 b and casing 16 comprise a roller assembly, described in detailbelow. Also shown are portions 26 a and 26 b of a housing which supportsthe roller assembly. Also shown is wrist support 28.

FIG. 2 provides a transparent housing view of the roller assembly andhousing. Shown are switches 30 a, 30 b and 30 c. Here the switches areshown as snap switches, however other types of switches (e.g., proximityswitches) could also be used. Switch 30 a is used to detect downwardmovement of the roller assembly and carriage, when a user pushes down onthe roller assembly to initiate an action referred to as a “mouseclick”. As described below, the carriage and roller assembly are movablewith respect to the base.

Switches 30 b and 30 c are limit switches and are used to detect whenthe sleeve 14 has reached the end of its potential horizontal movementalong central housing 12 in either a left direction (switch 30 b) or aright direction (switch 30 c).

Referring now to FIG. 3, the carriage and roller assembly are shown.Carriage 24 includes end pieces 22 a and 22 b. End piece 22 a includes apivot 32 a, and end piece 22 b includes a pivot 32 b. The pivots fitwithin holes in the base and permit movement of the carriage and rollerassembly with respect to the base.

FIG. 4 shows the roller assembly. The roller assembly includes a centralhousing 12. The central housing 12 contains additional parts, discussedin detail below. Also shown is a sleeve 14 which fits over a portion ofcentral housing 12. Sleeve 14 is rotatable about a portion of thecentral housing, and is also slidable along a length of the centralhousing 12. Sleeve 14 is supported on central housing 12 by bushings 18a and 18 b which allow the rotational and sliding movement of the sleevewith respect to the central housing. While central housing 12 is shownas generally tubular in the drawings, the central housing could alsoinclude shapes having a generally circular cross-section; across-section having at least one flat surface and at least one curvedsurface, and a cross-section having at least three rounded corners.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a cross-sectional view of a section of theroller assembly is shown. A sensor 40 is paced within central housing12. The sensor 40 is shown as a laser sensor, though other types ofsensors, including but not limited to an optical sensor or a rollerball,could also be used. Also shown is an aperture 42 in central housing 12,through which the sensor can detect movement of the sleeve with respectto the central housing.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a cross-sectional view of an end section of theroller assembly is shown. A limit switch 50 is shown mounted withincentral housing 12 and supported by switch bracket 58. Switch 50 ismounted on circuit board 52. Switch 50 in this example is a mechanicalswitch and includes a plunger 54. Plunger 54 is in mechanicalcommunication with bumper 56. In use, when the sleeve extends near theend of the central housing, the sleeve will engage bumper 56 which willcause plunger 54 to be driven into switch 50.

In a particular embodiment, a mode referred to herein as “power scroll”can be entered. When the sleeve is at or near the end of travel on oneside or the other of the central housing, a power scroll mode inentered, wherein the sleeve can be used as a scroll wheel to quicklyscroll through a document. Moving the sleeve away from the end of thecentral housing results in exiting the power scroll mode.

Referring now to FIG. 7, another embodiment of a pointing device 110 isshown. The pointing device 110 includes a central housing 112 comprisestwo pieces 112 a and 112 b which are removably attachable to each other.The central housing 112 contains additional parts, discussed in detailbelow. The pointing device 110 also includes a sleeve 114 which fitsover a portion of central housing 112. Sleeve 114 is rotatable about aportion of the central housing, and is also slidable along a length ofthe central housing 112. Pointing device 110 communicates with acomputer or similar device by way of cable 116.

FIG. 8 shows a sleeve 114. In one embodiment the sleeve 114 is flexibleand is made from plastic, cloth, paper or other material, wherein thesleeve takes the shape of the central housing when installed surroundinga portion of the housing. In another particular embodiment the sleeve ismade from a rigid material. The sleeve may be provided with indiciaprinted thereon, and the sleeve may be replaceable by the user whereinthe user replaces a sleeve with another sleeve.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a central housing 112 is shown. In thisembodiment central housing 112 is comprised of two pieces, a top piece112 a and a bottom piece 112 b which are removably attached to eachother. The central housing 112 contains the sensor 140, which is capableof detecting movement of the sleeve with respect to the central housing112. The central housing also includes the circuit for communicating thedata from the sensor to the computer.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the pointing device 110 is shown including abase comprised of two parts 120 a and 120 b. The base supports thecentral housing 112 such that sleeve 114 is capable of moving about thecentral housing.

FIGS. 11-13 show some of the components internal to central housing 112.Internal components not shown in these views include a sensor, acircuit, and at least one switch. Referring now to FIG. 11a section ofthe central housing is shown in cut-away. The sleeve 114 surrounds upperportion of central housing 112 a and the lower portion of centralhousing 112 b. Also shown are springs 122 a and 122 b. The springs 122 aand 122 b bias upper portion of central housing 112 a away from lowerportion of central housing 112 b, resulting in a gap 130 between the twoportions of central housing 112. Maintaining the two portions of centralhousing together is screw 124 a. The gap 130 allows the top portion tobe pushed down and can activate a switch (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 12, the central housing is shown in cut-away. Thesleeve 114 surrounds a section of upper portion of central housing 112 aand the lower portion of central housing 112 b. Also shown are springs122 a and 122 b. The springs 122 a and 122 b bias upper portion ofcentral housing 112 a away from lower portion of central housing 112 b,resulting in a gap 130 between the two portions of central housing 112.Maintaining the two portions of central housing together are screws 124a, 124 b and 124 c. The gap 130 allows the top portion to be pushed downand can activate a switch (not shown).

In a particular embodiment a switch is disposed proximate screw 124 band another switch is disposed proximate screw 124 c. The switchadjacent screw 124 b would be activated when a user pushed down on theend of central housing section 112 a near the switch to emulate theaction of a user right-clicking a conventional mouse switch. Similarly,the switch adjacent screw 124 c would be activated when a user pusheddown on the end of central housing section 112 a near the switch toemulate the action of a user left-clicking a conventional mouse switch.

Referring now to FIG. 13, an exploded view of the pointing device 112 isshown. The sleeve 114 surrounds upper portion of central housing 112 aand the lower portion of central housing 112 b. Also shown are springs122 a and 122 b. The springs 122 a and 122 b bias upper portion ofcentral housing 112 a away from lower portion of central housing 112 b,resulting in a gap between the two portions of central housing 112.Maintaining the two portions of central housing together are screws 124a, 124 b and 124 c. The gap 130 allows the top portion to be pushed downand can activate a switch (not shown). Also shown are base pieces 120 aand 120 b and cable 116.

Referring now to FIGS. 14a through 14c , various views of flexureassemblies 150 a and 150 b are shown. As shown in FIG. 14a , each end ofthe inner-sensor pointing device includes a respective flexure assembly.The inner-sensor pointing device is supported by the flexure assemblies150 a and 150 b. Downward pressure applied by a user to the inner-sensorpointing device results in the flexure assemblies registering a“primary” click, similar to a left mouse click on conventional mousedevices. The downward pressure can be applied at any location on theinner-sensor pointing device and will register.

Referring now to FIGS. 14b and 14c a view of the flexure assembly 150 ais shown. In this embodiment flexure assembly 150 a includes a flexure152, which is secured to a base (not shown) by attachment device (e.g.,a screw) 154. The attachment device secures one end of the flexure tothe base, while the remainder of the flexure assembly 150 a supports theremainder of the inner-sensor pointing device.

Flexure 152 is made of a deformable material, and has a “dog-bone”shaped opening extending there through. When a user applies a downwardforce to the inner-sensor pointing device, flexure 152 of flexureassembly flexes, such that the parts 158 and 160 of proximity switch arebrought closer together. When enough downward pressure has been appliedby a user to the inner-sensor pointing device, the proximity switch(either alone or in combination with another proximity switch) detectsthe change in position and indicates a primary click event has occurred.

Also shown is a circuit board 156 including a proximity switch in thisexample is a Hall-effect device which includes a sensor 158 and a magnet160. The sensor outputs a signal based on how close the sensor 158 is tomagnet 160. The closer they are, the sensor outputs a larger voltage.Once a certain threshold voltage is reached, a primary click isdetermined to have happened. The sensor can be used to provide an audiofeedback (e.g., a click sound) to the user to indicate a primary clickoperation has occurred. In this embodiment, the outputs of the sensor ofproximity switch 150 a and the output of proximity switch 150 b areadded together, and when the sum of the outputs exceeds a predeterminedthreshold, a primary click operation has occurred. Alternately, eachproximity switch could be used independently; to determine when a rightclick operation has occurred and when a left click operation hasoccurred.

Referring now to FIGS. 15a-b an embodiment of a pointing device 200incorporating a pair of leaf springs 202 a and 202 b is shown. Theroller assembly comprising central housing 12, sleeve 14, bushings 18 aand 18 are supported by leaf springs 202 a and 202 b, which are locatedproximate the ends of central housing 12. When a force is applied by theuser in a generally downward direction on the roller assembly, the leafsprings deflect. The downward movement triggers one or more switchesindicating that a “click” operation is underway. This click operationmay be used, for example, to perform a drag and drop operation with thepointing device. A typical downward force (also referred to as a “pickforce”) to achieve the click operation is generally 50 to 120 grams offorce, though this could be adjusted to achieve an optimal requiredforce. As shown in FIG. 15b , a lobe 204 is used to perform the pickforce adjustment.

Referring now to FIGS. 16a-d an embodiment of a pointing device 210incorporating a pair of solenoids 214 a and 214 b is shown. Eachsolenoid 214 a and 214 b include a respective plunger 218 a and 218 b,coil 220 a and 220 b and plunger return spring 222 a and 222 b. Theroller assembly comprising central housing 12, sleeve 14, bushings 18 aand 18 are supported by solenoids 214 a and 214 b, which are locatedproximate the ends of central housing 12 and are in mechanicalcommunication with leaf springs 212 a and 212 b. When a force is appliedby the user in a generally downward direction on the roller assembly,the solenoid plunger(s) deflect as do leaf springs 221 a and 22 b. Theamount of force required can be adjusted by leaf spring force adjustment224. The downward movement triggers one or more switches indicating thata click operation is underway. Also shown in FIG. 16d is a cover 216,which surrounds portions of the inner sensor pointing hardware andprotects the pieces from dust, dirt, moisture and the like as well asproviding various alternate switch layouts. Different covers anddifferent switch layouts could also be included.

Referring now to FIGS. 17a-b an embodiment of an inner sensor pointingdevice 220 incorporating a pair of leaf springs 222 a and 222 b isshown. The roller assembly comprising central housing 12, sleeve 14,bushings 18 a and 18 are supported by leaf springs 202 a and 202 b,which are located proximate the ends of central housing 12. When a forceis applied by the user in a generally downward direction on the rollerassembly, the leaf springs deflect. The downward movement triggers oneor more switches 224 a and 224 b (located externally from the rollerassembly) indicating that a click operation is underway.

FIGS. 18a and 18b show a further embodiment which comprises a keyboardtray 302 with an integral sensor pointing device 304. The embodimentshown in FIG. 18a attaches over a desk or stand, while the embodimentshown in FIG. 18b attaches under a desk or stand. A keyboard 306 can bepositioned on the keyboard tray 302 and adjacent the pointing device304. The keyboard tray is in mechanical communication with a desk orstand by way of keyboard tray arm 308 which allows for positioning ofthe keyboard tray 302 and pointing device 304 at an optimal location bythe user.

FIGS. 19a and 19b show a further embodiment which comprises a keyboardtray 302 with a pointing device and wrist support assembly 312. Thepointing device and wrist support assembly 312 includes a pointingdevice 314 and a wrist support 316. The embodiment shown in FIG. 19aattaches over a desk or stand, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 19battaches under a desk or stand. A keyboard 306 can be positioned on thekeyboard tray 302 and adjacent the pointing device and wrist supportassembly 312. The keyboard tray is in mechanical communication with adesk or stand by way of keyboard tray arm 308 which allows forpositioning of the keyboard tray 302 and pointing device 304 at anoptimal location by the user

Referring now to FIG. 20A, a first embodiment of a pointing device 400is shown. The pointing device 400 includes a central housing 412. Thecentral housing 412 contains additional parts, discussed in detailbelow. While central housing 412 is shown as generally tubular in thedrawings, the central housing could also include shapes having agenerally circular cross-section; a cross-section having at least oneflat surface and at least one curved surface; and a cross-section havingat least three rounded corners.

The pointing device 400 also includes a sleeve 414 which fits over aportion of central housing 412. Sleeve 414 is rotatable about a portionof the central housing, and is also slidable along a length of thecentral housing 412. Sleeve 414 may be supported by bushings 436 a and436 b. Sleeve 414 may also include a grip.

The inner sensor pointing device 400 in this embodiment includes asensor 430 mounted in a sensor housing 432 attached to a circuit board416. The sensor 430 is shown as a laser sensor, though other types ofsensors, including but not limited to an optical sensor or a rollerball,could also be used. A retainer spring 434 maintains the circuit board416 within the central housing 412, in conjunction with first stud 424and second stud 458. Also included are first end sensor 418 and secondend sensor 450. A downward force provided by the user triggers pickswitch 440. The amount of force necessary to trigger pick switch 440 isadjustable by operation of pick adjuster 442 in conjunction with firstspring 444 and second spring 446. A cover 428 surrounds various piecesof the inner sensor pointing device.

FIG. 20B depicts a cross-sectional view of a left hand portion of theinner sensor pointing device 400 a. The central housing 412 has anopening which permits the central housing to rest on a pivot 426. Whenthe sleeve 414 is pressed downward, the sleeve 414 and central housing412 pivots about the pivot 426 to emulate the action of a userperforming a “primary” click operation, similar to a left-clicking of aconventional mouse switch. This click operation may be used, forexample, to perform a drag and drop operation with the pointing device.A typical downward force (also referred to as a “pick force”) to achievethe click operation is generally 50 to 120 grams of force, though thiscould be adjusted by a user to achieve an optimal required force.

The central housing has a printed circuit board 416 disposed entirelywithin. Located between the circuit board 416 and the central housing isa block 402 which is held in mechanical communication with circuit board416 by first stud 424.

Also shown is the first end sensor 418 which includes a transmitter 420,a receiver 422 and a divider 424. In operation, the first end sensor 418detects when the sleeve 414 has been moved so that the sleeve 414 coversthe end sensor 418. When the sleeve is not covering the end sensor 418,light from transmitter 420 travels through the conical shaped cavity andpasses through the opening at the distal end thereof. The light travelsdown to a table, desk or other support structure and is reflected backoutside of the opening in the cavity. The conical shape of the cavity isdefined such that the light from the transmitter is focused so the lightdoes not reflect back into the central housing when the sleeve is notcovering the central housing. As such, receiver 422 does not detect thelight therefore the sleeve is not positioned over the end sensor 418.When the sleeve 414 is moved such that the sleeve 414 covers the openingat the end of the conical cavity, the light from transmitter 420 isreflected back inside the conical cavity and is detected by receiver422, indicating the presence of the sleeve 414 covering the end sensor418. The divider 424 is optional and may be used to prevent theoccurrence of cross talk, wherein the receiver would other-wise detectthe light from transmitter 420. The end sensor 418 is shown in thisembodiment as an optical type sensor. The receiver 422 could alternatelybe placed outside of the central housing 412 and use through-beamdetection to detect when the sleeve 414 has been moved past the endsensor 418. While an optical end sensor is shown, it should beappreciated that other sensors or switches could also be used (e.g., aproximity switch, a hall-effect sensor, a capacitive switch or sensor).One advantage of using an optical end sensor is that the user doesn'tfeel the end of travel of the sleeve 414. The end sensor 418 provides aspeed adjustment of the pointer on the display with respect to movementof the sleeve 414 about the central housing 412. Before the end sensordetects movement of the sleeve 414 past the end sensor 418, a givenamount of sleeve movement correlates to a given amount of pointermovement on a display. Once the end sensor 418 detects the presence ofthe sleeve 414, a larger amount of pointer movement is provided for asame given amount of sleeve movement.

Referring now to FIG. 20C, a central portion 400 b of the inner sensorpointing device is shown. A sensor 430 is shown disposed on circuitboard 416 and is secured in place by sensor housing 432. In a particularembodiment the sensor is realized as a laser sensor, though otherembodiments could use different types of sensors. The sensor is used todetect any rotational and/or sliding movement of the sleeve 414 withrespect to the central housing 412. A retainer spring 434 is used tobias the sensor 430 and sensor housing 432 in place within centralhousing 412. A portion of the sensor housing 432 extends into anaperture within the central housing 412 such that the sensor 430 candetect movement of sleeve 414, and is locked in place by operation ofretainer spring 434.

Referring now to FIG. 20D, a cross-sectional view of a right handportion of the inner sensor pointing device 400 c is shown. Similar tothe left hand side described with respect to FIG. 1B, located betweenthe circuit board 416 and the central housing is a block 448 which isheld in mechanical communication with circuit board 416 by second stud458. Also shown is the second end sensor 450 which includes atransmitter 452, a receiver 454 and a divider 456. In operation, thesecond end sensor 450 detects when the sleeve 414 has been moved so thatthe sleeve 414 covers the end sensor 450. When the sleeve is notcovering the end sensor 450, light from transmitter 452 travels throughthe conical shaped cavity and passes through the opening at the distalend thereof. The light travels down to a table or desk and is reflectedback outside of the opening in the cavity. The conical shape is definedsuch that the light from the transmitter is focused so the light doesnot reflect back into the central housing when the sleeve is notcovering the central housing. As such, receiver 454 does not detect thelight—therefore the sleeve is not positioned over the end sensor 450.When the sleeve is moved such that the sleeve covers the opening at theend of the conical cavity, the light from transmitter 452 is reflectedback inside the conical cavity and is detected by receiver 454,indicating the presence of the sleeve covering the end sensor. Thedivider 456 is optional and is used to prevent the occurrence of crosstalk, wherein the receiver 454 would otherwise detect the light fromtransmitter 452. Each end sensor (418 of FIG. 1B and 450 of FIG. 1D) areshown displaced a predetermined distance along the central housing 412from the ends of the sleeve 414 when the sleeve 414 is at a dead centerlocation on the central housing 412. This is done to allow for a certainamount of pointer movement before an accelerated pointer movement isutilized. Alternately, the end sensors 418 and 450 could be placed sothat they are adjacent the ends of the sleeve 414 when the sleeve 414 isat dead center, to help center the detection and location of the sleeve414 along the central housing 412.

A pick adjuster assembly is shown, which includes a pick adjuster 442, afirst spring 444 and a second spring 446. When the sleeve 414 is presseddownwardly, the sleeve 414 and central housing 412 pivot about the pivotand activate the pick switch 440. The amount of force necessary toactivate the pick switch is adjustable by operation of pick adjuster 442which is in communication with first spring 444. The first spring 444 isconnected at one end to the stud which is attached to block 448, whilethe other end is in mechanical communication with second spring 446. Thesecond spring 446 has a first end in communication with the first spring444, while the other end is attached to a block. The pick adjuster 442is movable in a horizontal direction which results in a change in theamount of force required to trigger pick switch 440. This isparticularly useful when performing different operations with the innersensor based pointing device. When a user is performing severaldrag-and-drop operations, it may be desirable to have the pick force sethigh such that elements are not unintentionally dropped while beingdragged. On the other hand, when a user is performing several click typeoperations with little or no dragging operations, it may be desirable tohave the pick force set low such that it is relatively easy to pickobjects.

FIG. 21 depicts an isometric view of the inner sensor pointing device400. As shown, cover 428 covers a portion of central housing 412 andsleeve 414 as well as pick adjuster 442.

In another embodiment the pointing device is comprised of a hollow tubehaving a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the tube, wherein thesleeve is rotatable in part about at least a portion of the tube andwherein the sleeve is slidable along a generally horizontal axis aboutthe portion of the tube. The pointing device further includes a sensordisposed along a surface of the tube, the sleeve positioned surroundingthe sensor, and wherein the sensor is capable of detecting movement ofthe sleeve relative to the tube.

In still another embodiment, the pointing device includes a centralhousing having an aperture, the central housing having a generallytubular form and a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of the centralhousing, wherein the sleeve can concurrently (i) rotate about theportion of the central housing and (ii) slide along a generallyhorizontal axis about the portion of the central housing. The pointingdevice further includes a sensor disposed in the central housing andaligned with the aperture, the sleeve positioned surrounding the sensor,and wherein the sensor is capable of concurrently detecting (iii)rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing andhorizontal movement of the sleeve relative to the central housing.Additionally, the pointing device includes a circuit in communicationwith the sensor, the circuit capable of transmitting data to a computerregarding the rotational movement and horizontal movement.

In a particular embodiment, a mode referred to herein as “power scroll”can be entered. When the sleeve is at or near the end of travel on oneside or the other of the central housing, a power scroll mode isentered, wherein the sleeve can be used as a scroll wheel to quicklyscroll through a document. Moving the sleeve away from the end of thecentral housing results in exiting the power scroll mode.

FIG. 22a comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly 500. A keyboard platform 510 is shown supporting a keyboard502. Also shown is a pointing device 504, which rests on a lip of thekeyboard platform 510. Both the keyboard platform 510 and the pointingdevice 504 rest on a table, desk or similar support structure 512.Keyboard platform 510 includes a front keyboard platform riser 506, in aclosed (lowest) position. Keyboard platform 510 further includes a rearkeyboard platform riser 508, also shown in a closed position.

FIG. 22b comprises a cross-sectional view of a keyboard platformassembly having keyboard platform risers in an open position. In thisexample, front keyboard platform riser 506 has been extended into anopen position, as has rear keyboard platform riser 508. As such, thekeyboard platform 510 has been relocated to a position above table 512.The keyboard 514 here is a lower profile keyboard than keyboard 502 inFIG. 22a , and needs to be raised in order to provide a comfortableworking position for the user when used with the pointing device 504.

Referring now to FIGS. 23a-23e a particular embodiment of a keyboardplatform riser 520 is shown. In FIG. 23a , a top isometric view ofkeyboard platform riser 520 is shown in a closed position. A lip 522extends from a first end of the keyboard platform riser 520. In FIG. 23b, a top isometric view of the keyboard platform riser 520 is shown in anopen position. A first end of the keyboard platform riser 520 includesan extended lip 524 protruding from the first end and a leg 526extending from a second end.

FIG. 23c shows an isometric bottom view of the keyboard platform riser520. In this view the lip 522 can be seen as well as the closed extendedlip 524. The second end includes a closed leg 526 and a closed extendedleg 528. FIG. 23d shows an isometric bottom view of the keyboardplatform riser 520 having a first end in a closed position and thesecond end having a leg 526 in an open position. FIG. 23e depicts anisometric bottom view of the keyboard platform riser 520 wherein thefirst end has the extended lip 524 in an open position and a second endhaving the extended leg 528 in the open position.

Referring now to FIGS. 24a-f , side views of the keyboard platform 550in a variety of settings are shown. In FIG. 24a the keyboard platform550 is shown in a lowered position. In FIG. 24b the keyboard platform550 is shown having a front keyboard platform risers in a closedposition and rear keyboard platform risers 554 in an open position,while FIG. 24c shows the keyboard platform 550 having front keyboardplatform risers in a closed position and the rear keyboard risers 556 inan open and extended position.

In FIG. 24d the keyboard platform 550 is shown with the front keyboardplatform risers 558 in an open position below lip 552. The rear keyboardplatform risers are in a closed position. In FIG. 24e the keyboardplatform 550 is shown having the front keyboard platform risers in anopen position and rear keyboard platform risers 554 in an open position,while FIG. 24f shows the keyboard platform 550 having front keyboardplatform risers in an open position and the rear keyboard risers 556 inan open and extended position.

Unless otherwise stated, use of the word “substantially” may beconstrued to include a precise relationship, condition, arrangement,orientation, and/or other characteristic, and deviations thereof asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, to the extent that suchdeviations do not materially affect the disclosed methods and systems.

As described above, certain embodiments include an inner sensor, whileother embodiments can include an inner sensor or an external sensor.While the embodiments described above utilize the pointing device in anorientation wherein left-to-right movement of the sleeve results in acorresponding left-to-right movement of the pointer on a display andwherein rotation of the sleeve results in up-and-down movement of thepointer on the display, alternate orientations could also be used. Onesuch alternate orientation is one wherein rotation of the sleeve resultsin a corresponding left-to-right movement of the pointer on a displayand wherein front-to-back or up-and-down movement of the sleeve resultsin up-and-down movement of the pointer on the display.

In some embodiments, when a downward force is applied to the sleeve toaffect a click operation, an audible click sound may be supplied toprovide the user with an audible feedback affirming the operation. Thesound could be provided by a piezoelectric device or a voice coil,positioned internal or external to the central housing.

Throughout the entirety of the present disclosure, use of the articles“a” or “an” to modify a noun may be understood to be used forconvenience and to include one, or more than one of the modified noun,unless otherwise specifically stated.

Elements, components, modules, and/or parts thereof that are describedand/or otherwise portrayed through the figures to communicate with, beassociated with, and/or be based on, something else, may be understoodto so communicate, be associated with, and or be based on in a directand/or indirect manner, unless otherwise stipulated herein.

Although the methods and systems have been described relative to aspecific embodiment thereof, they are not so limited. Obviously manymodifications and variations may become apparent in light of the aboveteachings. Many additional changes in the details, materials, andarrangement of parts, herein described and illustrated, may be made bythose skilled in the art.

Having described preferred embodiments of the invention it will nowbecome apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that otherembodiments incorporating these concepts may be used. Accordingly, it issubmitted that that the invention should not be limited to the describedembodiments but rather should be limited only by the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A pointing device, comprising: a central housinghaving an aperture; a sleeve disposed surrounding a portion of saidcentral housing, wherein said sleeve is rotatable about said portion ofsaid central housing and wherein said sleeve is slidable along agenerally horizontal axis about said portion of said central housing; asensor disposed in said central housing and aligned with said aperture,said sleeve positioned surrounding said sensor, and wherein said sensoris capable of detecting rotational movement of said sleeve relative tosaid central housing and wherein said sensor is capable of detectingaxial movement of said sleeve relative to said central housing; acircuit in communication with said sensor, said circuit capable oftransmitting data to a computer regarding said movement of said sleeve;and at least one end sensor capable of contactless detection of movementof said sleeve beyond a predetermined location on said central housing.2. The pointing device of claim 1, wherein said circuit is disposedwithin said central housing.
 3. The pointing device of claim 1, whereinsaid sensor is selected from the group consisting of a laser sensor andan optical sensor.
 4. The pointing device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a pivot assembly, said pivot assembly comprising a pivotdisposed beneath a portion of said central housing, wherein an openingin said central housing fits over a top section of said pivot such thatsaid central housing is capable of pivoting about said pivot.
 5. Thepointing device according to claim 1, further comprising a pick switch,said pick switch activated by a downward pressure being applied to saidsleeve, said pick switch used for performing a click operation.
 6. Thepointing device of claim 5, further comprising a pick adjuster assembly,said pick adjuster assembly in communication with said pick switch, saidpick adjuster assembly including a pick adjuster movable by a user toselect a required force for triggering said pick switch.
 7. The pointingdevice according to claim 1, wherein said sleeve is comprised of aflexible material selected from the group consisting of metal, plastic,rubber, cloth and paper, and wherein said sleeve conforms to a shape ofsaid central housing.
 8. The pointing device according to claim 1,further comprising a carriage, said carriage supporting said centralhousing between end pieces of said carriage, and a base, wherein the endpieces comprise respective pivots fitted within holes in said base topermit movement of said carriage with respect to said base.
 9. Thepointing device according to claim 1, further comprising at least oneflexure secured to a base and supporting said central housing, whereinsaid flexure is made of a deformable material.
 10. The pointing deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising at least one leaf springdisposed between a base and said central housing.
 11. The pointingdevice of claim 10, wherein said at least one leaf spring is locatedproximate an end of said central housing.
 12. The pointing deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising at least one solenoid, said atleast one solenoid supporting said central housing.
 13. The pointingdevice of claim 12, wherein each of said at least one solenoid comprisesa plunger, a coil surrounding at least a portion of said plunger, and aplunger return spring.
 14. The pointing device according to claim 1,wherein said at least one end sensor is arranged within said centralhousing.
 15. The pointing device according to claim 14, wherein saidsensor and said at least one end sensor are mounted on a common circuitboard which is arranged entirely within said central housing.
 16. Thepointing device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one endsensor is an optical sensor, a hall effect sensor or a capacitivesensor.